Virginia is one of only twenty-three states that require optician licensing by law. Rules and regulations regarding optician training requirements, licensing, and certification are established by the Virginia Department of Professional Occupational Regulation. The following information will be relevant to you if you want to be a licensed optician in the state of Virginia.
Virginia State Opticianry Law:
General Eligibility Requirements:
- At least 18 years of age
- A graduate of an accredited high school, or the equivalent
- Has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a misdemeanor or felony
Technical Skills and Training Requirements:
- Has completed at least one of the following…
- A board-approved two-year course in a school of opticianry
- A three-year apprenticeship with a minimum of one school year of related instruction or home study while registered in the apprenticeship program
Opticianry Training Programs:
1) The Navy, through its Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA), offers a 24-week optical fabrication program for those wanting to become Army Optical Laboratory Specialists or Navy Opticians. There are no degrees conferred by this program, but it is a great opportunity for service members to advance their standing in the military as well as gain valuable experience in the optical industry in case they ever want to apply their skills in the civilian sector. The program is located in Yorktown. All instructional personnel have been certified by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). For a detailed description of the program and its history, visit the NOSTRA website by clicking here.
2) J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (JSRCC), located in Richmond, offers a 2-year Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) in Opticianry. This program is primarily online, but does involve on-campus patient experience at the eyeglass and contact lens clinics. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Virginia State Licensing Examination. Applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Complete one unit of High School Algebra with a grade of “C” or better
- Complete all developmental coursework prescribed by JSRCC placement tests
- Completion of one unit of High School Biology and Physics is recommended
For a detailed description of the program and its requirements, you can visit the program website and view the program specifics page.
Examination Requirements:
- The National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO)
- The National Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) administered by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)
- State Practical Examination
- Dates for these examinations can be found here
- The fee for taking both the written and practical exams is $250
Licensure by Reciprocity:
- The board, using the following standards, shall issue a license to any person licensed in another state who:
- Has met requirements equivalent to those of Virginia
- Has passed a substantially equivalent examination
Fees and Forms:
- Application Combined Exams, $350
- Application Practical Exam, $125
- Application by Reciprocity, $100
- Application Combined Exams
- Application Practical Exam
- Application by Reciprocity
- Contact Lens Application
State Contact Information:
Phone: (804) 367-8509
Fax: (866) 245-9693
E-mail: opticians@dpor.virginia.gov
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233-1485
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
State Association: Opticians Association of Virginia
Current Job Offerings:
Charlottesville Eye Associates, Ltd.
Private optical shop, serving 4 ophthalmologists and 1 optometrist, specializing in custom eyewear with minimal insurance filing. Monday-Friday, no weekends. Salary NOT based on commission.
Send resume to cea.resumes07@gmail.com
If I take a Penn Foster course and get ABO and NCLE certified can I then sit for the state exam and get licensed in VA?
T,
You may be able to take the practical exam after completing these steps, but we would recommend contacting the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to make sure that they have approved the Penn Foster program before you enroll.
In the requirements above it states no misdemeanor or felony in any jurisdiction. Is that in Virginia only or does that include the entire United States?
Grace,
I would assume that it is referring to the entire US, but would highly recommend contacting the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to find out for sure. Their contact information can be found above.
Does Penn Foster offer a good program to become accredited by Virginia?
Jazmine,
Training programs do need to be approved by the Board. Since we are not directly affiliated with state agencies, we would recommend contacting them before enrolling in the Penn Foster program to make sure that the credentials will be accepted by the state.
Hi, I’m looking to relocate. I’ve been New York State licensed in ophthalmic dispensing for 15 years. What is the process for transferring my license to Virginia. Am I required to retake the licensing exams?
Cathy,
You may be able to acquire a Virginia license by using the credentials that you have obtained in New York. In general, a Virginia license may be issued to applicants who have met requirements equivalent to those of Virginia and who have passed a substantially equivalent examination. We typically recommend that applicants contact the Board directly to find out if they will accept credentials from another state.